Oakland's Own Photo Story: Oakland Veg Week Grand Finale

Oakland Veg California sponsored Oakland Veg Week April 22nd through April 28th. 

Whole Foods was in the building with a fresh quinoa salad

They extended a pledge for Oaklanders to eat Vegetarian or Vegan meals for 7 days. The week was full of informative events primarily held at Whole Foods in Oakland to educate the curious and encourage the devout. 

Attendees nibbling on samples from Donna Tamales, Zachary's, Local L.O.V.E. and more

The week culminated in a free celebration at the Lake Merritt Sailboat House with a host of Vegetarian/Vegan vendors, activists such as VegFund, consultants and retailers.

The crowd listening in on the food demo

Chef Robert Dorsey III, founder of Junior Chef Society, conducted a live demo of an easy, flavorful, plant strong meal. 

My favorites from the event are pictured below! 

Amazing eggless double chocolate cookies (they were SO good) from Hampton Creek Foods

Yummy vegan falafel and chutneys form Yogi's Cooking

Creamy, nut-based, dairy-free ice cream from Genuto. The Chocolate Hazelnut flavor was fantastic!

Attendees received a goodie bag full of vegan snacks, a comprehensive list of vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Oakland and coupons!  

Oakland has so many options to support a vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, take the pledge any time!

Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 4/29/13

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Monday - Sunday
April 29th - May 5th
Bay Area Dance Week. For events in Oakland check the Oakland's Own post "Bay Area Dance Week in Oakland!!!"

Friday
May 3rd
Oakland Art Murmur/First Fridays/Pro Arts Preview Gala
Oakland's Own Tip: For recommendations on the 1st Friday of the Month check the Oakland's Own post "Oakland's Own First Fridays"

Sunday
May 5th
Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade in the Fruitvale District

Tweet me your picks of the week!

Bay Area Dance Week in Oakland!!!

The wonderful thing about living in one of the most diverse cities in the country, with a deep-rooted artistic culture, is the variety and quality of arts events!

Bay Area Dance Week kicks off today and even though there are events throughout the Bay Area, Oakland has some excellent free events for every skill level and age. Below are the don't miss events for Bay Area Dance Week in Oakland!

Visit the Bay Area Dance Week website to sign up for free events.
Check out the Oakland's Own Calendar to add these events and more to your calendar!

DANCE ENTHUSIAST

Serious Fun with AXIS: modern dance for everyone

Presented by: AXIS Dance Company

Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts

Monday April 29, 6p-7:30p

Modern & contemporary class for dancers with and without disabilities!

Contemporary Dance

Presented by: Bush Dance Project

New Style Motherlode

Tuesday April 30, 10:30a-12p

Learn the style made popular by So You Think You Can Dance 

Haitian Dance Class

Presented by: Dimensions Dance Theater

Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts

Wednesday May 1, 7p-9p

Start with Dunham Technique and end with Haitian dance

Elementary Ballet with Mary Armentrout

Presented by: Danspace

Danspace

Wednesday May 1, 7:30p-9p

Perfect for beginning students. Learn the ballet basics

Ballroom Beat
Presented by: Montclair Dance Athletics

Montclair Dance Athletics

Thursday May 2, 10:15a-11:15a

Learn 9 different Ballroom Styles

Dance Jam

Presented by: IXALT

Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts

Saturday May 4, 10a-3:30p

Classes in a diversity of styles

ADVENTUROUS

Free to Fly 2013

Presented by: Bandaloop

Bandaloop Studio Oakland

Friday April 26, 6p-8p

Aerial arts masters

Technical Practice for the Adventurous Dancer

Presented by: Blind Tiger Society

Bandaloop Studio Oakland

Monday April 29th, 10a

Irreverent contemporary dance. Come ready to SWEAT!

Intro to Kizomba

Presented by: Cartara Productions

Studio 1924

Saturday May 4, 2:15p-3:45p

A sensual partner dance from Africa

KID FRIENDLY

Rites of Passage's...A Day of Dance

Presented by: Dimensions Dance Theater

Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts

Saturday April 27, 11a-2p

Creative Movement, Jazz, African & Hip Hop for youth 8-18

Hip Hop with In the Groove Studios

Presented by: In the Groove Studios

In the Groove Studios

Saturday April 27, 1p-2p

All levels and ages welcome

GET IN TUNE

Gentle Flow

Presented by: Montclair Dance Athletics

Montclair Dance Athletics

Wednesday May 1, 8p-9p

Slow down and relax with gentle stretching and yoga techniques. All levels welcome

Alexander Technique with Constance Clare

Presented by: Danspace

Danspace

Friday May 3, 1p-4p

Learn how to align head/neck/back for better movement expression

Breema Workshops

Presented by: The Breema Center

The Breema Center

Saturday May 4, 9:30a-11a

Bridge the harmony of life and movement

GET FIT

Power Yoga

Presented by: Montclair Dance Athletics

Montclair Dance Athletics

Wednesday May 1, 7:30a-8:30a

Intense vinyasa yoga class

Cardio Hip Hop with MOMO

Presented by: In the Groove Studios

In the Groove Studios

Wednesday May 1, 5p-6p

Intense & fun hip hop with MOMO LEBEAU

Flavors of Zumba

Presented by: That's My Move

Church of All Faiths

Thursday May 2, 7p-8:30p

Samples of different Zumba styles. All fitness levels welcome!

Ballet Barre

Presented by: Montclair Dance Athletics

Montclair Dance Athletics

Saturday May 4, 8:15a-9:15a

Ballet, yoga and pilates to tone the whole body

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE

AXIS Up Close

Presented by: AXIS Dance Company

Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts

Monday April 29, 4:30p-5:30p

Watch an AXIS Dance rehearsal!

Celebrating the Rite(s) of Spring - Film Screenings

Presented by: Mills College Dance Department

Danforth Hall - Mills College

Friday May 3, 5p-6:30p

Short Films set to Igor Stravinsky's score

Tapestry: Weaving the Community of Dance

Presented by: Behold Dance Collective

LDS Interstake Center Theater

Saturday May 4, 7p-9p

Celebration of dance in the Bay Area!

Matinee Munch

Presented by: Danspace

Danspace

Sunday May 5, 2p-3p

Choreography presented by dNaga and COterie Dance 

Spend A Day In Oakland - Maxwell Park/Millsmont

East Oakland encompasses a wide range of neighborhoods, the largest residential population in the city,  beautiful tree lined streets and green hills. It may not be known as a culinary, nightlife or artistic destination, but it's beauty cannot be denied.

Below is a recommendation for exploring the lush Millsmont and historic Maxwell Park neighborhoods. These areas are mostly residential so they are perfect for a leisure outing with family members of all ages.

Both neighborhoods are accessible from nearby freeways (580 and 13), AC Transit or bike.

Start your day with a hearty soul food breakfast at Souls Restaurant. This restaurant was established by members of one of the largest churches in Oakland, Acts Full Gospel. The church has been a force in this community since 1984.

Take a walk up Seminary Ave to one of the best regarded Liberal Art educational institutions in the country, Mills College. Tours of the beautiful campus are available weekdays at 10a. Check their packed events calendar to find out if there are any art exhibitions, film screenings or concerts scheduled for the day of your visit.

Grab a quick lunch from an Oaklander favorite, Mills Hoagie & Deli Shop. My favorite, the pastrami with the works, jalapenos on the side and fries!

After lunch take a drive or bike ride over to the Maxwell Park neighborhood for a self-guided architectural walking tour of the historical homes in the area. Maxwell Park Walking Tour Map Recommendation

The pristine neighborhood was established in the 1920's. No two homes are alike with Spanish and Tudor influences throughout. Distinct characteristics of the homes include: awnings, sloped entries and bright stucco  exteriors. Don't miss the views of the east bay from the hill tops.


While you are there you can check out the beautiful commissioned mosaic that adorns the restroom in the grassy parklet on Fleming Ave.

End your day at Old Weang Ping Village Thai Restaurant. The husband and wife duo have been serving up authentic Thai food for decades. The eclectic decor only adds to the experience.

Everyone should take some time on a sunny Oakland day to experience the undeniable charm of these East Oakland neighborhoods.

Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 4/22/13

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Monday - Sunday
April 22nd - April 28th
Oakland Veg Week. Check the Oakland's Own calendar for participating restaurants and events

Thursday
April 25th
Dining Out For Life: Dine Out, Stop Aids. Participating restaurants Pican Restaurant and Mezze Restaurant & Bar
Oakland's Own Tip: Oakland's Own is an ambassador for this event so if you are interested in making a donation please visit Oakland's Own Dine Out for Life Page

Friday
April 26th
Bay Area Dance Week - Free 2 Fly at Bandaloop Studios
Oakland's Own Tip: All really cool Bay Area Dance Week events in Oakland have been added to the Oakland's Own calendar. Most events are FREE and there is something for any age!

Sunday
April 28th
Girl Rising Screening at Regal Jack London Stadium 9

Tweet me your picks of the week!

Mandela Foods Cooperation

I seriously needed to stock up on some groceries after getting back into town from celebrating a friends birthday in LA. I decided to stop by one of my favorite local markets. The ridiculously convenient Mandela Foods Cooperation is located directly across the street from the West Oakland Bart Station and a block away from the Broadway exit off 880.

My recent haul

The store is stocked with amazingly fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, dairy and bakery items. Organic home-goods and non-perishables round out the inventory. Most of your favorite brands you'd find at Whole Foods or Trader Joes can be found on their shelves. Don't see a product you're looking for, just let one of the employees know and it will be added to the next order and they'll let you know when it is in stock! You can't beat that kind of customer service.

Photo Source: Mandela Foods Cooperation Facebook Page

Aside from the inventory and convenience, this market tops my list because of their impact on the neighboring community. It has a cooperative business model so of course the employees are invested in the market's success but this market extends it's borders to provide nutritional education, entrepreneurial development for youth, pop up markets for residential and senior centers and healthy food "prescriptions" for expectant mothers. Mandela Foods Cooperative's commitment to the community it serves is phenomenal. It's worth the trip to West Oakland to make this your go to market!

Mandela Foods Cooperation:1364 7th Street
M-F: 7a - 8p
Sat - Sun: 10a - 4p

Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 4/15/13

I apologize this is very late. I've been sick, but will be posting soon!

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Thursday
April 18th
Candlelight Vigil in Honor of Boston Marathon - 3mi Run

Saturday
April 20th
2013 Oakland Earth Day - Volunteer at various locations in Oakland. Check the calendar link for volunteer opportunities.

Saturday
April 20th
Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt at Lake Merritt

Sunday
April 21st
Keyshia Cole with Chrisette Michele at The Fox Theater

Tweet me your picks of the week!

Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 4/8/13

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Monday
April 8th
NCAA March Madness Championship Game @ Cana.
Oakland's Own Tip: The game will be shown on the largest screen in Oakland!

Tuesday
April 9th
Free Cone Day 2013 - Ben & Jerry's in Jack London Square

Wednesday
April 10th
Oakland Earth Expo at Fran Ogawa Plaza

Wednesday - Thursday
April 10th  - April 11th
Vagina Monologues at The New Parish

Friday
April 12th
East Bay Bike Party

Saturday
April 13th
2013 Jazz Competition West Grand Finale at the Piedmont Piano Company

Tweet me your picks of the week!

Oakland's Own First Friday's

Well it's the First Friday of the month so you know Oakland lovers from all over the Bay Area will soon pour into the Uptown neighborhood. Whether you're there purely for the art, food, cars or bars there is so much not to be missed!

Inevitably, Oakland's first outdoor art sculpture park is being unveiled today in the heart of the burgeoning art artery 19th & Telegraph.

If you are a gallery walker, visit Oakland Art Murmur for a complete listing of galleries participating every First Friday 6p - 9p by neighborhood. If you missed an exhibition, come back Saturdays 1p-5p when it's less crowded. And how cool that the Burning Man Leadership Network is in Oakland for their convention this weekend!!! For street performance information check out Oakland First Friday's Facebook Page.

There's no shortage of delicious bites on First Fridays! For a listing of food trucks, carts and booths visit Oakland First Fridays. Food stops are conveniently listed by block. Oakland's Own Tip: Street food service is shut down PROMPTLY at 9p. So make sure you have food in hand before 9p. My recommendations...Big Serg BBQ (Get the tri-tip anything) and for attendees of the legal drinking age (they definitely card), Telegraph Beer Garden & Cafe has a great selection and a spacious outdoor patio with picnic tables! Missing your favorite food truck??? It's probably at Friday Nights Oakland Museum! Royal Jokers Car Club showcases classic cars and bikes in the retro 1/4 Pound Burger parking lot on W. Grand & Telegraph 6p-9p. For those interested in continuing their night in the area, there are a host of restaurants, bars and lounges, below are some recommendations.

 Eat:

• Hawker Fare
• Lukas
• Xolo Taqueria
• Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe
• Flora
• Loring Cafe

Dance:

• Era
• Somar
• The Layover
• Bench & Bar

Lounge:

• Make Westing
• The Uptown
• Farley's East
• CafeVan Cleef
• Bar 355
• The Punchdown

If you're looking for something less crowded after First Friday's, check out my March post "Spend A Day In Oakland - Jack London Square/Old Oakland" for nightlife a few blocks down. 

Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 4/1/13

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Monday
April 1st
Oakland Athletics Season Opener O.Co Coliseum

Thursday - Sunday
April 4th - April 7th
Oakland International Film Festival

Friday
April 5th
Oakland Art Murmur/First Friday's

Saturday
April 6th
Headbanger Accessories Presents: The Evolution 5 Year Anniversary Celebration

Tweet me your picks of the week!